Hundreds turn out for annual Walk for Autism in Oneida

Walk for Autism: Raises funds for Kelberman Center

ONEIDA >> About 300 supporters of autism awareness turned out Saturday for the seventh annual Autism Walk at the Oneida High School, event organizers estimated.

Saturday morning, the gymnasium was filled with people waiting to make the 1.5 mile trek through Oneida. In addition to local Oneida residents, people came from Waterville, Munnsville and Utica to participate.

Teams included students from local colleges, Vernon Downs employees and friends and family members of people with autism.

It was the first time Oneida resident Diana Vanderhoof came out for the walk. Vanderhoof has an acquaintance who has a child with autism and it has been through shared experiences with her co-worker that she now wants to encourage others to learn more about autism.

Despite chilly temperatures, individuals filtered in and teams donned matching T-shirts to help the Central New York-based Kelberman Center raise money for summer camp, recreational, and therapeutic opportunities for individuals with autism.

“The event grows every year,” said Rob Myers, executive director of the Kelberman Center. Last year, the combined walks in April raised $100,000 for the center. This year, their goal is $130,000. Myers said the walks are the organization’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

As of Saturday morning, the Oneida walk raised $5,712, according to the event’s first giving page. However, with same-day walk signups and pledges continually filtering in throughout the day, organizers said they would have a local dollar amount from the Oneida Walk within a few days.

Myers said there will be additional walks in Utica, Cooperstown, Syracuse and Boonville that will benefit the Kelberman Center.

Even after Saturday’s walk, people can donate at www.firstgiving.com/kelbermancenter/2014WFAONEIDA, or by visiting www.kelbermancenter.org

The Kelberman Center provides programs and services for children and adults with autism and their families. Staff includes a pediatric neuropsychologist, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and educational and behavior specialists. The center has locations in Syracuse, Utica and Morrisville.